After being around so many disciples of Christ I am perplexed by how many Christians struggle with with depression and anxiety. For years I was a chronic worrier and stressed out about everything. I tended to bottle up my feelings until I became explosive or implosive (which is just as dangerous).
When we do this we become depressed or anxious. We tend to be harder to get along with and become more isolated from others. At this point we lose our effectiveness for God's Kingdom. This is scary!
As I think about this I am reminded of a time when Jesus was with His disciples at Simon and Andrew's house.(Mark 1:29-39) Simon's mother-in-law was sick and Jesus healed her. It tells us that that evening after the sun had set people "brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed" Jesus began healing them and casting out demons. It says the whole town was there. Jesus was pouring Himself out for these people again and again.
Can you imagine how draining this could be?
I can picture an exhausted Jesus climbing into bed feeling the weight of the world setting on His shoulders. If you are like me you might think I just want to sleep in. I need a day off, or we might yell to any who will listen, "I NEED A VACATION!!"
Mark gives us a different picture. Instead of sleeping-in Jesus got up (while it was still dark) and went to be alone with the Father. (went off to a solitary place, where he prayed)When this happened Jesus was revitalized, He found the rest that only the Father can provide. (I see this as one of those great human moments in Christ's life)
The other thing that happens is Jesus is able to refocus. When the disciples found Him they were all set on Jesus going back to the house and get back to healing and casting out demons but Jesus was focused on the mission at hand. vs 38 "Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.""
Jesus set aside the stresses of the night before and focused on God's design for today. Do we need to sacrifice a little shut eye so that we can get focused on God's plan for today?
Friday, February 26, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Using the Name of God
As a pastor I love it when God revels His truth to me not while I am preparing a message but while I am speaking. As I was preaching this morning, God not just changed the direction of the message but used it as a teaching moment for me as well as those listening.
As I thought my message on Ethics: on the job was near it's conclusion God pointed me to the 10 Commandments and had some very tough things to share. While looking at peoples moral character it is always discouraging to see that there is virtually no difference in behavior between those who claim to be Jesus' followers and those who don't. Christians are as likely to lie, steal, cheat and engage in sexually immoral practices as there unsaved counterparts.
In Exodus 20:7 it says:
"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." KJV
"You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." NIV
“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name." NLT
The fact is that a countless number of Christians are taking the Name of God in vain daily by miss using it, not in words, but in the way we live our lives day in and day out. We tell people we are Christians and then live as if Jesus is still in the grave.
Isaiah 29:13 says, "The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men."
May God be honored by your whole being, not just in what you say. May He take captive our every thought and feeling for His glory. Amen!
As I thought my message on Ethics: on the job was near it's conclusion God pointed me to the 10 Commandments and had some very tough things to share. While looking at peoples moral character it is always discouraging to see that there is virtually no difference in behavior between those who claim to be Jesus' followers and those who don't. Christians are as likely to lie, steal, cheat and engage in sexually immoral practices as there unsaved counterparts.
In Exodus 20:7 it says:
"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." KJV
"You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." NIV
“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name." NLT
The fact is that a countless number of Christians are taking the Name of God in vain daily by miss using it, not in words, but in the way we live our lives day in and day out. We tell people we are Christians and then live as if Jesus is still in the grave.
Isaiah 29:13 says, "The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men."
May God be honored by your whole being, not just in what you say. May He take captive our every thought and feeling for His glory. Amen!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
A Crazy Kind of Faith
I remember when I first received my calling to ministry. God didn't tell me to go preach but instead told me to go and prepare because I was going to preach. This was a moment of decision in my life. One I must admit I failed.
Instead of jumping right into God's plan for my life, I told God that I was going to go to school and become a History teacher first and if He still wanted me to preach after that then I'd study His word. This attitude was the result of years of rebellion. I had hardened my heart until I wasn't about to let anyone tell me what I was going to do.
God, however, had a different plan and started me down a journey about faith and maturity and after just two semesters I started Bible College. As a Christian, God has allowed me to go through many different things but also put men and women in my path to teach me and train me up in His word. Who do you have in your life to train you?
In Matthew 14:22-36 there is this event in which Jesus comes to His disciples walking on the surface of the Sea of Galilee. Peter gets this crazy idea. "If Jesus can do that I can too!" Jesus calls to Peter, "come" and Peter does the unthinkable and climbs out of the boat. Instead of sinking, he starts walking on water.
We can go on to see how Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to look at the wind and waves around him and begins to sink, but that isn't what I want to focus on.
How do we get this Crazy kind of Faith?
This type of Faith is not something we have on our own, it is a gift from God. It is something He teaches as we trust in Him for one small thing after another. It is also taught through the testimony of God's people. God taught me a lot about Faith through the work He was and is doing @ the River Community Church in Cookeville, TN. God did so many great things there that when we were called to a church in NW PA that could pay us, we went. I quit my job and moved a family of 6 with out a job that paid, knowing that God would provide. And He has!!!!!
Looking back I see what Peter saw while sitting on that boat. He saw Jesus!
Nothing mattered beyond being more like Him. Doing the things He is doing, saying the things He is saying, loving the people He is loving and offering the hope He is offering.
At times, like Peter, I too get distracted and start to sink but when I cry out to Jesus, He takes my hand and instantly I am back on the boat and Jesus is saying, "Brad, why did you doubt. Oh you of little Faith. Did you not know that I'd take care of you? Why are you worrying? Don't you know how much you mean to me?"
The truth is, Jesus gave everything for you! As He was accused by false witnesses, He thought of You. As He was beaten and mocked by Roman soldiers, He was thinking of You. As He stumbled under the wait of the Cross through the streets of Jerusalem, He was thinking of you. As He was nailed to that Cross, he was thinking of you. And before He gave His life, for you, He cried out on your behalf, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do!"
That is the Crazy kind of Faith that I want. Faith that will stretch arms wide and say, "I Love You!"
Instead of jumping right into God's plan for my life, I told God that I was going to go to school and become a History teacher first and if He still wanted me to preach after that then I'd study His word. This attitude was the result of years of rebellion. I had hardened my heart until I wasn't about to let anyone tell me what I was going to do.
God, however, had a different plan and started me down a journey about faith and maturity and after just two semesters I started Bible College. As a Christian, God has allowed me to go through many different things but also put men and women in my path to teach me and train me up in His word. Who do you have in your life to train you?
In Matthew 14:22-36 there is this event in which Jesus comes to His disciples walking on the surface of the Sea of Galilee. Peter gets this crazy idea. "If Jesus can do that I can too!" Jesus calls to Peter, "come" and Peter does the unthinkable and climbs out of the boat. Instead of sinking, he starts walking on water.
We can go on to see how Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to look at the wind and waves around him and begins to sink, but that isn't what I want to focus on.
How do we get this Crazy kind of Faith?
This type of Faith is not something we have on our own, it is a gift from God. It is something He teaches as we trust in Him for one small thing after another. It is also taught through the testimony of God's people. God taught me a lot about Faith through the work He was and is doing @ the River Community Church in Cookeville, TN. God did so many great things there that when we were called to a church in NW PA that could pay us, we went. I quit my job and moved a family of 6 with out a job that paid, knowing that God would provide. And He has!!!!!
Looking back I see what Peter saw while sitting on that boat. He saw Jesus!
Nothing mattered beyond being more like Him. Doing the things He is doing, saying the things He is saying, loving the people He is loving and offering the hope He is offering.
At times, like Peter, I too get distracted and start to sink but when I cry out to Jesus, He takes my hand and instantly I am back on the boat and Jesus is saying, "Brad, why did you doubt. Oh you of little Faith. Did you not know that I'd take care of you? Why are you worrying? Don't you know how much you mean to me?"
The truth is, Jesus gave everything for you! As He was accused by false witnesses, He thought of You. As He was beaten and mocked by Roman soldiers, He was thinking of You. As He stumbled under the wait of the Cross through the streets of Jerusalem, He was thinking of you. As He was nailed to that Cross, he was thinking of you. And before He gave His life, for you, He cried out on your behalf, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do!"
That is the Crazy kind of Faith that I want. Faith that will stretch arms wide and say, "I Love You!"
Sunday, February 14, 2010
How to Live Under the Warning
This morning I herd a message from a brother named, Jerry. Jerry spoke about living your life as if Christ's return is any moment. A message which fit right into the series iLife I am currently preaching.
2 Peter 3:1-13 says,
"1Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.[a]
11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b]That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness."
If we are living in expectation of the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus then we need to be ever mindful of these 6 principles laid out by the Apostle Peter:
1. Remember: The words spoken by the prophets - We must spend time in the word of God; Reading it, Studying it, memorizing it, applying it and living it!
2. Return: Jesus is coming back - This time as Judge of the living and the dead. Are you living in a manor that His return is something that you look forward to or that you will dread. We need to deal with this now
3. Reject: Reject the Mockers - We live in a time where many mock the Living Word of God as found in the Bible. We should expect it, over look it and pray for them as we ask God to use us in a mighty way.
4. Recall: Recall the Flood - This is a call to look at the examples that God has given us in the past, that though He is patient the day will come when God will again pour out His wrath upon a sin-filled world.
5. Reserved: The world is Reserved for Fire - God has already ordained the method of His judgment. Everything will be destroyed by fire. What is in-store for your destiny?
6. Repent: Turn to God While You Can - When Christ returns it will be too late. Jesus Christ, who was born in a stable to a virgin mother, grew into a man of wisdom and stature, lived a life free of sin as an example to all mankind, was crucified upon the Cross at Calvary, laid in a borrowed tomb, rose on the 3rd day and ascended to the right hand of the Father, paid the price for your sins that you may have a relationship with the God and Creator of the Universe. Will you accept Him?
In conclusion Jerry said we must:
Run the Race: 2 Peter 3:17-18
"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
- How will your life be different TODAY?
2 Peter 3:1-13 says,
"1Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.[a]
11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b]That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness."
If we are living in expectation of the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus then we need to be ever mindful of these 6 principles laid out by the Apostle Peter:
1. Remember: The words spoken by the prophets - We must spend time in the word of God; Reading it, Studying it, memorizing it, applying it and living it!
2. Return: Jesus is coming back - This time as Judge of the living and the dead. Are you living in a manor that His return is something that you look forward to or that you will dread. We need to deal with this now
3. Reject: Reject the Mockers - We live in a time where many mock the Living Word of God as found in the Bible. We should expect it, over look it and pray for them as we ask God to use us in a mighty way.
4. Recall: Recall the Flood - This is a call to look at the examples that God has given us in the past, that though He is patient the day will come when God will again pour out His wrath upon a sin-filled world.
5. Reserved: The world is Reserved for Fire - God has already ordained the method of His judgment. Everything will be destroyed by fire. What is in-store for your destiny?
6. Repent: Turn to God While You Can - When Christ returns it will be too late. Jesus Christ, who was born in a stable to a virgin mother, grew into a man of wisdom and stature, lived a life free of sin as an example to all mankind, was crucified upon the Cross at Calvary, laid in a borrowed tomb, rose on the 3rd day and ascended to the right hand of the Father, paid the price for your sins that you may have a relationship with the God and Creator of the Universe. Will you accept Him?
In conclusion Jerry said we must:
Run the Race: 2 Peter 3:17-18
"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
- How will your life be different TODAY?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Eyes on the King
Yeah I know, it has been a while since I lost wrote, but in all fairness I have been in the hospital. For me this has been a great time of reflection. While I was in the hospital I asked God, "What do you want me to learn in this?"
For me God has made it clear the need to focus on my health. Though I had recently started an endeavor for a healthier life style God's message was clear. It came in the form of my 3rd roommate who while we were discussing spiritual maters commented about the thought process of many Christians.
He asked, "Why is it that as Christians, we are so focused on our spiritual health yet many of us ignore our physical bodies?"
Romans 6:11-12 says, "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires."
Is it that this passage could have a lot to say about how we care for ourselves physically as well as spiritually? For example, how many of God's children are destroying ourselves because we are obeying the evil desires of our body.
How many times I have said, "Super Size that!" Food has a way of controlling us if we let it, yet the Bible tells us to be people of self-control. God has made this point by allowing me to have a condition that will be maintained by having a strict healthy diet.
As a child of the King are your eyes on Him when it comes to the things you are putting into your body? It is just something to think about as you seek to draw closer to God through Jesus Christ.
For me God has made it clear the need to focus on my health. Though I had recently started an endeavor for a healthier life style God's message was clear. It came in the form of my 3rd roommate who while we were discussing spiritual maters commented about the thought process of many Christians.
He asked, "Why is it that as Christians, we are so focused on our spiritual health yet many of us ignore our physical bodies?"
Romans 6:11-12 says, "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires."
Is it that this passage could have a lot to say about how we care for ourselves physically as well as spiritually? For example, how many of God's children are destroying ourselves because we are obeying the evil desires of our body.
How many times I have said, "Super Size that!" Food has a way of controlling us if we let it, yet the Bible tells us to be people of self-control. God has made this point by allowing me to have a condition that will be maintained by having a strict healthy diet.
As a child of the King are your eyes on Him when it comes to the things you are putting into your body? It is just something to think about as you seek to draw closer to God through Jesus Christ.
Friday, February 5, 2010
iWork
Starting a new mini-series this Sunday and thought I'd bring the idea here.
How do we see the jobs that we have? Are the means to an end, something to just pay the bills and get us the things we desire or is it something else? For years I struggled with the mundane task of going to work day after day. Caught up in the routine of a boring job and feeling like there has to be something more.
As I look back I can't help but see all the opportunities I missed. God places each one of us in a career or on a job site for a divine reason. We become His hands, His feet and His mouth to the people we work with. We are His witness in word and deed.
If your job is a burden to you, maybe it is time to infuse it with the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit. In Colossians 3:23 the Bible says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men"
Can you imagine how different work would be if we saw Jesus Christ, the King of kings and the Lord of lords as your boss, as your commander and chief as your CEO?
So I will ask the question, "Who do you work for?"
How do we see the jobs that we have? Are the means to an end, something to just pay the bills and get us the things we desire or is it something else? For years I struggled with the mundane task of going to work day after day. Caught up in the routine of a boring job and feeling like there has to be something more.
As I look back I can't help but see all the opportunities I missed. God places each one of us in a career or on a job site for a divine reason. We become His hands, His feet and His mouth to the people we work with. We are His witness in word and deed.
If your job is a burden to you, maybe it is time to infuse it with the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit. In Colossians 3:23 the Bible says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men"
Can you imagine how different work would be if we saw Jesus Christ, the King of kings and the Lord of lords as your boss, as your commander and chief as your CEO?
So I will ask the question, "Who do you work for?"
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Silence
Shhhhhhhh.
Do you hear the silence around you? Yeah, probably not. For the past few days I have been overwhelmed with how much noise is around me all the time. It can be anything, the sound of children, the soft hum of a computer, the TV in the background, the sound of a car driving past or even the over abundance of mundane thoughts penetrating my mind.
There is this story in 1 Kings 19 where Elijah is hiding to try and save his own neck. He feels like he is the only man of God left. He is lonely, tired and afraid. Like many of us, Elijah needed to hear from God. He needed that reassuring presence to remind him why he is doing the things he has been doing.
God shows up and gives Elijah this great visual lessen. In 1 Kings 19:11-13 it says, "The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?""
See those words "gentle whisper" in Hebrew it can also mean "silence". God is in the Silence. It is funny that when we seek God we spend most of our time speaking and so little time listening. We want to here from God but He doesn't interrupt us He hears our every word and then when He is ready to speak to us we say, "Amen" and leave the conversation.
We can fill our lives with so much noise that we miss what God is saying in the silence. What is causing so much noise in your life to day? Will you meet God in the Silence?
Do you hear the silence around you? Yeah, probably not. For the past few days I have been overwhelmed with how much noise is around me all the time. It can be anything, the sound of children, the soft hum of a computer, the TV in the background, the sound of a car driving past or even the over abundance of mundane thoughts penetrating my mind.
There is this story in 1 Kings 19 where Elijah is hiding to try and save his own neck. He feels like he is the only man of God left. He is lonely, tired and afraid. Like many of us, Elijah needed to hear from God. He needed that reassuring presence to remind him why he is doing the things he has been doing.
God shows up and gives Elijah this great visual lessen. In 1 Kings 19:11-13 it says, "The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?""
See those words "gentle whisper" in Hebrew it can also mean "silence". God is in the Silence. It is funny that when we seek God we spend most of our time speaking and so little time listening. We want to here from God but He doesn't interrupt us He hears our every word and then when He is ready to speak to us we say, "Amen" and leave the conversation.
We can fill our lives with so much noise that we miss what God is saying in the silence. What is causing so much noise in your life to day? Will you meet God in the Silence?
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